ReMax pilot, Pete Colwell, raises funds with this attraction at our festival and donates 100% proceeds to National Balloon Rally Charities to donate to local nonprofits.

What most people don’t know, however, is that the original Re/Max balloon was manufactured (40 years) ago in Statesville.

“It was actually built here in Statesville by Tracy Barnes at the Balloon Works (now named FireFly Balloons), and they flew it for the first time, (40 years ago)...at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta,” Pilot Pete Colwell said.

Yes, t
ether rides are weather-dependent, just like flights. Our Flight Director and the Tether Pilots will make this safety decision each day of the festival.

What is the tether ride schedule?

Tether Pilots will be available on the field Friday, Saturday & Sunday and will offer rides when favorable weather conditions permit this activity. Due to this circumstance, we cannot post an absolute schedule for this attraction.

Since this attraction operates on a first-come, first-serve basis, our festival patrons wait in line for their opportunity to ride.
Please be advised, this line can become very long so be attentive as to when tether pilots are setting up their balloons.

Rain or Shine... Carolina BalloonFest is open October 19-21, 2018! Hot Air Balloon Flights are scheduled twice daily; early morning & late afternoon. All ballooning activities including static display, tethered rides and balloon flights are weather-dependent. The decision to inflate hot air balloons is made just prior to the scheduled ballooning activity. Due to limited entrance points into our festival, on Saturday, guests are encouraged to PARK by 1 PM to attend late afternoon launches. Saturday is our most popular festival day and the admissions booths will close when we reach maximum capacity. Tickets are non-refundable.

Festival Location is near Statesville Regional Airport at 260 Hangar Drive, Statesville, NC 28677. ​Parking will be available on site and at park and ride. NO ROADSIDE PARKING - vehicles will be towed where NO PARKING signs are posted. Walk in spectators will not be admitted. Ticket scanning will be in progress.